MOTOR RULES

Evening Star, Issue 20422, 1 March 1930, Page 3

MOTOR RULES

RESULTS OF TRANSPORT CONFERENCE MINIMUM OF INTERFERENCE [SpXCUIi to the ‘ Star.’] WELLINGTON, February 2S._ The conference called by the Minister of Transport (Mr Veitch) to review the motor traffic regulations lias concluded its sittings. There were present representatives of the municipalities and counties, the Auckland Transport Board the North and South Island Motor’ Unions, motor omnibus, service car, motor lorry, and motor trade interest*, Main Highways Board, and Police and Transport Departments, the representatives being in each case those having practical knowledge of the effect and working of the regulations. The subjects dealt with were, the motor vehicle regulations dealing generally with motor traffic, the regulations relating to motor drivers’ licenses and the number plate system, and heavy traffic regulations, relating. .to fipocial speed limits _ and traffic rules for heavier motor traffic. The conference considered the effect of 348 clauses-of these regulations, and 232 suggestions made relating to the amendment of the clauses. .. “ Taken on the whole, it is evident from this conference that the regulations are fundamentally sound, and as reasonable in their restrictions as is possible in the circumstances,” remarked Mr Veitch, in making the recults available. 11 During the progress of the, conference,” he added, “it became increasingly evident how valuable it is for the Government to obtain the views of the officers having the practical administration of the law, those ohiefly affected by it, also various other, interests closely concerned; and it is, noteworthy that at all times the proceedings were most harmonious, and the whole aim appeared to be the 1 good of the community as a whole, Speed limits occupied a good deal of the attention of the conference, and .the general , view was that, with, minor modifications, the present law. is working satisfactorily, and the policy of the Government to restrict local speed limits unless the nature of the road surface, or the particular conditions, justifies them is a correct one. “The speed limits fixed for heavy traffic caused more difficulty, and while it was recognised that roads naust be protected, yet it was considered generally that the present limits are too low for good roads and pneumatictyred vehicles, as is shown by fact that they are honoured under these conditions more by the breach than in the observance. , , , “The dazzling headlights problems, caused by : night driving received very full discussion, and it was agreed that there is room for much improvement in the present conditions. Since the. regulations were issued special inventions such as the double. filament lamp, and the dipping headlight have become popular, and it is possible that, as a resuit the present regulations are likejy to be modified, so far as measures for preventing the dazzle of headlights are concerned. So far as drivers’ licenses are concerned, the various faults of the ■present system, particularly lack of uniformity in the standard of the test imposed; were thoroughly considered, and it is hoped that improvements will take place. The number plate system is, of course, now an integral parts of the third party insurance scheme, and therefore must be retained, but modifications, with a view to readier recognition of numbers, may be expected to follow from the conference. “ The complete success of the conference is an encouragement to the Government to continue its policy of consulting all interests closely cpnnectpd when any material change in tHo.law’iis being contemplated. The way is n|w open for, making an effective revision of the motor transport regulations, ajid when the final draft is completed it vail he referred to all the interests concerned before being brought into opejation. , . ~ “The principle followed in , this irevision,” concluded Mr .Veitch, “ is tliat which I indicated to the conference at the opening—namely, that of the maximum amount of liberty consistent with the safe operation of transport, and the preservation of the roads.” ■